Howe could need to lastly substitute Newcastle’s “machine”

Newcastle United approached this season with a switch window that spoke volumes in regards to the course Eddie Howe needs to take his aspect.

The lengthy pursuit of a striker was one of many defining sagas of the summer season.

Newcastle explored offers for Hugo Ekitike, João Pedro, and Benjamin Šeško with out success, whereas their admiration for Jørgen Strand Larsen and Yoane Wissa was effectively documented.

Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade arrived for £69m, whereas Wissa finally did get his Tyneside transfer for £55m.

Aaron Ramsdale, Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga additionally joined the squad, every reflecting Howe’s rising emphasis on technical safety and ball development throughout the pitch.

That shift in philosophy has already been evident, although outcomes counsel it stays a piece in progress. Newcastle opened the marketing campaign with a 0-0 draw in opposition to Aston Villa by which they had been the higher aspect however couldn’t convert dominance into targets.

Per week later they fell 3-2 at house to Liverpool, conceding within the a hundredth minute to a dramatic Rio Ngumoha strike.

A second goalless draw, this time away at Leeds, prolonged the look ahead to a primary win. It lastly got here with a 1-0 success over Wolves earlier than their Champions League return in opposition to Barcelona led to a 2-1 defeat.

That match highlighted each the potential and the vulnerabilities of this Newcastle group.

Whereas they held their very own for spells, Barcelona’s midfield bypassed their press too simply, exposing limitations in central areas.

Joelinton’s place is underneath risk

Few gamers higher embody Newcastle’s revival than Joelinton.

Written off throughout his time as an underwhelming striker, the Brazilian was reinvented as a midfielder and rapidly turned an emblem of Howe’s means to adapt and encourage.

Now 29, he has made 225 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 29 targets and helping 21.

A Brazilian worldwide, Joelinton brings energy, vitality, and physicality to the centre of the park. However Newcastle’s evolving type of play shouldn’t be constructed solely on depth.

Howe’s aspect are searching for to manage possession, and it’s right here that Joelinton begins to look much less safe.

Whereas he stays a damaging presence, his passing numbers spotlight the problem he faces.

He ranks solely within the forty sixth percentile amongst midfielders for go completion at 83.1%, and likewise within the forty sixth percentile for progressive passes with 4.42 per 90.

In opposition to Barcelona, these shortcomings had been uncovered as Newcastle’s midfield was typically bypassed.

The place Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali are comfy recycling possession underneath strain, Joelinton shouldn’t be as constant in tight areas.

His function has at all times been about breaking apart play and driving ahead, however as Newcastle transfer towards a extra sustained possession method, Howe could search for one thing totally different.

Jacob Ramsey’s arrival is the clearest sign of this.

The England Below-21 midfielder has been praised for his dynamism and talent to hold the ball by midfield, but in addition for his composure when enjoying out from the again.

Ramsey shouldn’t be merely competitors for Joelinton; he represents a possible long-term alternative.

That doesn’t imply Joelinton will all of a sudden vanish from the image.

His presence stays important in sure fixtures, notably those who demand bodily duels and defensive resilience.

But Newcastle’s try and evolve right into a possession-based drive could progressively squeeze him out of the beginning XI.

Why Malick Thiaw is able to substitute Schär

In defence, an analogous story could also be about to unfold.

Fabian Schär has been considered one of Newcastle’s most dependable performers since becoming a member of from Deportivo La Coruña for £3m in 2018, described as a “machine” by journalist Jordan Cronin.

A composed ball-playing centre-back, he has racked up 235 appearances and contributed 21 targets, his approach and distribution making him a perfect match for Howe’s early tenure.

But at 33, the Swiss defender is getting into the twilight of his profession. In opposition to Barcelona, he appeared stretched and his withdrawal by harm solely added to the sense that change is coming.

That change could arrive within the type of Malick Thiaw.

Signed from AC Milan for £30m, the 24-year-old Germany worldwide is constructed for the type Howe is now pursuing.

When launched in opposition to Barcelona, he instantly demonstrated his qualities: calm underneath strain, comfy receiving in tight areas, and assured sufficient to show away from markers.

His numbers emphasise that profile.

Thiaw sits within the ninety fifth percentile for go completion amongst centre-backs with an accuracy of 93.2%. He additionally ranks within the eighty fifth percentile for progressive passes at 4.86 per 90.

His athleticism additionally offers him an edge in restoration conditions, an attribute that might show important in opposition to quicker, extra direct opponents.

It’s no coincidence that comparisons have been made to Ibrahima Konaté and Micky van de Ven. Like these defenders, Thiaw is equally comfy defending area in behind as he’s stepping ahead to have interaction excessive up the pitch.

This versatility makes him the prototype of the fashionable possession-based centre-back.

With Schär sidelined, Bournemouth away seems to be set to offer Thiaw along with his first Newcastle begin.

If he interprets his statistical promise into constant performances, Howe could determine that the longer term is now.

Very similar to Joelinton in midfield, Schär’s expertise and management is not going to be dismissed frivolously, however Newcastle’s tactical evolution is ushering in a brand new period.